Closing Remarks by H.E. Mr. Hasan Kleib, Deputy-Minister for Multilateral Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia, at the 13th Session of the Working Group Meeting on Universal Periodic Review for Indonesia

Let me first of all sincerely thank our troika from Guatemala, Kyrgyzstan, and Botswana as well as the Secretariat for their diligent work in preparing the report of the UPR Working Group on Indonesia. My appreciation also goes to Ambassador Mothusi Rabasha Palai of Botswana for presenting the report on behalf of the Troika.

Allow me also to thank the delegations from 74 countries for their active participation and valuable contributions to the consideration of our report.

The interest they have shown in our country`s human rights situation is highly appreciated. Their manifest commitment to constructive dialogue and cooperation is commendable.

Our interactive dialogue last Wednesday has enabled my delegation to share with the international community what we have achieved in implementing our obligations in the field of human rights.

We strive to continue to make progress.

We are pleased to acknowledge appreciation expressed by various delegations over progress so far we made.

We, however, are mindful that the promotion and protection of human rights is a continuing process.

Like other countries, including democracies, well-established as well as those in transitions, we are conscious that the promotion and protection of human rights in Indonesia is not without challenges.

We objectively acknowledge where gaps and shortcomings are still prevalent.

Nevertheless, we will persevere diligently as the promotion and protection of human rights is a continuing process. We, therefore, will continue to keep improving and evaluating our efforts.

Madam President,

We appreciate questions raised and concerns expressed as well as recommendations submitted during the deliberation of our national report.

Indeed, our interactive dialogue helps further identify areas where we need to enhance our efforts to advance the cause of human rights.

From the interactive dialogue, we are able to take stock of 180 recommendations. These recommendations comprise broad spectrum of issues and various aspects of human rights relevant to Indonesia.

We value highly recommendations formulated based on well-informed assessment and understanding of the situation on the ground including the challenges and constraints we are facing.

The greatest benefit that we can take from our exercise under this UPR process is the implementation of its realistic and deliverable recommendations.

Following serious and careful consideration of those recommendations, we are able to accept 144 recommendations.

The majority of accepted recommendations are both in line with Indonesia’s human rights agenda and indeed constitute ongoing efforts, including in the context of the implementation of previous UPR recommendations such as the ratification of various human rights instruments, human rights training and education, as well as promotion and protection of the rights of women and children.

Some relate to the ongoing national efforts to address the current specific challenges in Indonesia. Many challenges are common in various parts of the world, therefore international cooperation is imperative. We regard a number of recommendations as encouragement and support to our efforts to push back evidence of problem of protection and respect related to specific aspects of human rights, including intolerance.

Thirty six recommendations will be further examined due to the following reasons: Firstly, they need further consideration with relevant national stakeholders. Secondly, they reflect inaccuracy in their formulation and lack of understanding of context of the factual situation we are facing on the ground. We have tried to consult with the countries concerned; however, it is apparent that further scrutiny is necessary. In this regard, we can assure you that we will provide responses in due time.

Madam President,

We acknowledge the presence of representatives from our human rights national institutions as well as civil society organizations during our session here.

We value highly their participation and constructive engagement in assesing the whole process of our deliberation on Indonesia. We appreciate very much their expressed commitment to the continued partnership in implementing the outcomes of our UPR deliberation.

We need to translate our UPR outcomes into concrete progress on the ground. Collaboration and partnership among national stakeholders is a must.

Madam President,

The advancement of universal human rights remains a corner stone of our Government’s national priorities. We are committed to striving for a coherent policies and actions of all the government ministries and institutions in this regard.

It is our constitutional mandate to continuously build the culture of respect for human rights for all, in its multicultural, multi-religious and multi-ethnic societies.

We remain committed to our endeavor to promote and protect the human rights of our people. We are consistent in our efforts to mainstream human rights in our state’s policies, and are committed to addressing resolutely any challenges and constraints in advancing the cause of human rights.

Indonesia’s democracy continues to consolidate and to mature. And, by working together with this Council, we seek to make substantial progress in the promotion and protection of human rights.